Associated Press

The proposed Cruise Ship Passenger Protection Act of 2013 would make all crimes alleged on cruise ships available to the public. Also, the bill would create a toll-free hotline for consumer complaints and an advisory committee to make recommendations on improving consumer protection programs and services.

It would also require cruise lines to provide passengers a plain language summary of their rights before purchasing tickets, and provide the federal government with more authority to investigate consumer complaints.

The Senate Commerce Committee has scheduled a hearing Wednesday in Washington, D.C. to learn more about consumer protections for passengers, crime reporting and safety issues.